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Welcome to the General Discussion Room for the AB Forum Recital #29!!!

Please use this room for any discussion of the pieces in Recital #29 that is taking place in the Main Recital Thread.

Discussions and replies can be posted at-will. Feel free to comment on any or all individual pieces. Some members offer comments on each submission individually; others offer general congratulations. Either approach is appropriate. Feel free to offer more specific, technical feedback if the participant had indicated that technical feedback was welcome.

For those who wish to comment on all pieces, a copy and paste template for offering feedback can be found here:

The last couple of recitals I've been too busy and never managed to finish doing all my comments. (Sorry, all of you I never got to!!! )

This time I was determined to do better, so I decided to do the only thing I could think of to help me get through everybody in a timely manner: I cheated. I shamelessly abused my admin privileges and started listening to the recital pieces a couple of days early. So here's my first installment, and with luck, I'll get through the others by the end of the weekend.

01 – mr_super-hunky: I’ve known you were a talented arranger of music since the very first recital. And now you have shown yourself to be a talented composer of original music. I had goosebumps listening to this piece and thinking of apple,* and missing her. You have set an extremely high bar for the rest of the recital!

02 – Inlanding: I know what you mean about those deceptively easy melodies. It’s hard to play the chords softly while bringing out the melody, but you do that well. An enjoyable, jaunty song.

03 – dannylux: Oh you make those ornamentations sound so easy and effortless! Beautifully played.

04 – Plowboy: This may be my favorite Chopin prelude. You do a good job of conveying the brooding feel of the piece.

05 – slpianoproject: You are right to be proud of this recording! It’s very impressive. I have to say that I enjoyed your video and having the hammers of your piano exposed. I think it would probably distract me too much while I was playing, myself.

06 – CarlosCc: I haven’t had the courage to tackle “Julia” yet myself. You do a great job of voicing the melody over those endless arpeggios. And an Einaudi piece will always make it into my “Best of Recital” list.

07 – sinophilia: Oh, this made me nostalgic big time. My mother used to sing “Frankie and Johnny” all the time when I was a little girl. It was nice to hear it again. And it fit the second piece well in terms of style. Thanks for the memories....

08 – wouter79: I would never be brave enough to play without the pedal, but you pull this off wonderfully.

09 – SwissMs: You also get a medal for bravery, for playing Bach. I like how you give this a pleasant, lilting air.

10 – casinitaly: This is one catchy tune! Very enjoyable to listen to. I’m also pleasantly surprised at the quality of the recording given that it was a digital camera.

11 – Andy Platt: Another brave soul tackling Bach! I don’t know enough to arbitrate a disagreement between you and your teacher, but I will say that your playing sounded excellent to me.

12 – Amaruk: I wish I could play be ear like that. It is a pretty song indeed, and you do a great job of arranging it. I’m even more impressed by your video... the multiple camera angles and the double exposure with the Christmas imagery made it look like it was professionally produced. I’m going to go back to the “video production” thread and pay close attention to everything you say.

13 – Peyton: I really liked this tune, especially the deep bass notes around the 1:35 mark. And you do some wicked runs up the keyboard, too.

14 – Joangolfing: I wasn’t familiar with this piece. I liked its ambiguous, mysterious ending. Well played.

15 – Greener: I wasn’t familiar with this piece, either, but I can see why it grew on you. Good job on a long and demanding piece.

OK ... got up at five to find the Recital up ... have been listening and writing down comments for 2.5 hours. I have to go to work now, but here's the first batch. I'll do the other half tonight.

Mr Super-Hunky -- Your playing sounds really, really lovely. Self-taught since 2004? I should hope I can get to this level of playing (especially in terms of expressiveness and fluidity) *with* a teacher in eight years! Once you get started on the second theme, I can really *hear* the new beginning of which you speak -- I imagine an eagle, or some other mighty flying beast, soaring through the mountains, and discovering new things in each consecutive valley. Well played, sir! And, I'm sure, a tribute worthy of your friend Apple, whom I never knew, but have read only great things about around here.

Inlanding -- Although I wouldn't have recognized this piece from the title and composer alone, it isn't the first time I've heard it. I can see why you use the word 'magic' in your description of the second time you heard this melody, and I think you manage to get your own sense of wonder about it across pretty well in your rendition of it. Nice!

Dannylux -- Thank you for exposing me to a piece of music that, to me at least, proves that Czerny's erstwhile reputation for being a 'boring' composer was at least somewhat undeserved. I do hear a bit of Beethoven in here, and I'm a huge Beethoven fan, so that's always a plus.

Plowboy -- This piece gets the hairs in my neck to stand on end every time I hear it. It's clearly the work of a soul in turmoil (Chopin), and you manage to get that across pretty convincingly, in my book. 'Ragged' is certainly not the word I would use to describe your dynamic range here! I think I know what you mean about not liking the chords, but (at least according to my teacher), getting rid of that unevenness is just a question of playing every day, and then having some patience for the fine-tuned control over individual fingers within a triple or quadruple grip to come. In the mean time, the fact that it wasn't 'perfect' (whatever that means to you) didn't detract from my enjoyment of listening to it. Thank you!

slpianoproject --A Chopin Nocturne! There are few things you could have played to get me to pay closer attention to you than this. I recently set myself the goal of learning to play all 21 Chopin Nocturnes in my lifetime (it is likely that I will, indeed, need an entire lifetime to do it), and I must say, if I ever find myself being able to play this one the way you do, I will be mighty pleased. I think it would be even better if you could give your piano a good tuning, though! No doubt you are aware of this .

carloscc -- I had never even heard of Einaudi before I found this forum, but everything of his that I've heard since, I've liked. It helps that the people here who play him and post recordings (BenPiano, Monica, and you, among others) always seem to play him with much feeling and great expression. If you say you were 'not in the right mood to play this with the right expression', I am very curious to hear your rendition of this when you are! The dedication to your wife gave me goosebumps. Thank you for an enjoyable, relaxing listening experience!

Diana --Alfred's Book Two, huh? Ah, welcome to a fellow (relative) n00b. I'm glad there are others like me hanging around here! You're right that these could use a little more 'swing' and fluidity in them, but don't be too hard on yourself. You braved the Red Dot! I'm sure you can play them twice as 'swinging' when there's not a microphone in the room.

wouter79 --Hi! As I said above, I'm one of the most n00bish players taking part in this recital, and the piece you are playing here is far beyond my reach for the time being, so take everything I write with a serious grain of salt. That said, I think you need to work on getting your left hand to 'flow' more. It sounds choppy to me right now. Think in phrases, rather than a string of individual chords, if that helps at all. I believe that once you get the flow into the left hand, expression and fluidity on the melody side of the piece will be much easier to accomplish. You may be on to something, too, when you say that the left hand is a little too overpowering. But still. The fact that you managed to record this (Red Dot Psychosis and all) after only three years of playing gets you my respect all by itself.

SwissMS --Ah, Bach! I tend, usually, to think of Bach's keyboard music as dry and a bit soulless -- pure math, almost. But that's not the feeling I get after listening to your rendition of this, at all! Perhaps the story behind it, and your gratitude to Herr Bach for giving you back the piano (which I understand, perhaps better than you know) is what's shining through here. In any case, a very good rendition, I think, even with its technical imperfections!

casinitaly -- Um, am I right in thinking that this is another piano that could use a tuning? . That aside, though, I can hear you had a lot of fun learning this piece. You've definitely got a good groove going! Thank you. I enjoyed listening.

Andy Platt -- I think I would like to be a fly on the wall when you and your teacher are having one of your arguments about this piece! To my mind, having a consistent take on a piece, and then executing it well, is what makes an artist! If it weren't for that, we'd all be better off having a pianola (or these days, a Disklavier system, I suppose) than a real piano in our house! As you note, there's still some work to be done on the trills, but outside of that, I like your take on it!

Amaruk --Like Mr. SH, you are another one of those pianists whose expression and fluidity I admire, and would like to have myself some day! I would have not problem at all listening to an entire afternoon of this! Good on you for managing to transcribe it on your own!

Peyton -- Lovely melody indeed! You do speed up significantly as you progress through this piece, but I think that in most places, the speed-ups are not out of place. Perhaps you need to sit down and figure out a few more specific spots where you need to slow back down again. But definitely do not kill *all* of the speed-ups. They suit the piece, I think. Nice work on composing this!

joangolfing -- OK, now I need to go find some sheet music for Grieg Waltzes. I like it! It's probably still out of my reach, but thank you for getting me acquainted with it.

Greener --Oh, so that's the noise in the background ... a squeaky damper pedal! Nice, how you first discovered it here on the forum, and then actually got through learning to play it, to the point that you were able to confront the dreaded Red Dot with it! . I gather that you are another one of the self-taught wonder boys around here? . Nicely done!

Riddler -- I can definitely hear your 'lifetime of noodling' in your playing. Can I say that I'd like to be (like) you if I ever grow up? . Your expression, and obvious technical command in the chord progressions here, some of which are anything but simple, are admirable. Thank you for sharing!

Monica K. -- As you no doubt know, technical complexity is by no means a pre-requisite for beauty. And beautiful, this certainly is -- mainly because of the way you play it. You are one of those people who seem to be able to cram a thousand words into a single measure of music. And you have my admiration all the more because you are self-taught, so it's all you I'm hearing. No teacher to steer you in this or that direction, and yet, a beautiful, telling result. Nice!

ladypayne --It's great, right? To just sit down at the piano and play whatever comes? I can hear you being 'in the zone', here, and I sort of envy you. What tends to come out when I am 'in the zone' has nowhere near this level of sophistication. Thank you for sharing!

Jake S -- I think we set ourselves an extra hard challenge when we choose to perform a piece like this one -- one that everyone has already heard a thousand times before. I know, because I'm working on the Moonlight Sonata for the April in-class recital right now! I must say, you pull it off beautifully. This is one of the more sensitive and delicate amateur performances of this piece that I've heard. Nicely done!

Serge88 --Huh. GarageBand. Instant drum kit! It fits, here. Plus, I bet it was a ton of fun mixing this up! Memo to self: try it some time. I sort of admire your ability to play with a drum kit (which means you stayed in time consistently throughout). That is something I know I would have major trouble with.

Teodor -- Pretty good, for a piece you just went and revived after two years of not playing it at all! It's a beautiful piece of music, too, so I enjoyed it. Thanks. And get your piano tuned when you have a chance! .

(Was)TrueBeginner -- Self-composed. Nice! I think your microphone might have been a little too close to the piano (or perhaps the gain levels just weren't optimal), which distorts the recording a bit. But I enjoyed it. Thanks!

MusicaMusique -- I like this performance. It flows nicely. Sounds quite effortless, even though it no doubt isn't. Nicely done!

MrPozor -- Two months of lessons? Wow. That's all I'm going to say about that!

Jazztpt -- Practice makes perfect. You are a case in point. The 37+ definitely reveals itself, here. Still, I hope I will be able to play half as well as you in forty years! If you were a bit closer to my neck of the woods, I might book you for my upcoming housewarming party! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing!

Sand Tiger -- This is a surprisingly sophisticated piece, being composed as it was by a person with just eleven months of keyboarding experience. I think your technique is lagging behind your imagination a bit, but I'm not surprised by that, at eleven months. Definitely keep at it, you've got talent, sir!

Philzpiano -- I love, love, love this piece! Played it at Christmas with my grandmother, who sang Gounod's 'Ave Maria' over it. It is surprisingly tricky, for looking and sounding so simple. And you manage to play it quite expressively. The tempo seems inconsistent, but I'm wondering if that's not a problem with the recording, rather than your playing. It seems like it might be a case of something getting lost in the upload!

Daren --As you say, a simple but very expressively rich piece. You do it great justice, and I think you're a great example for those adult beginners here who might want to know where they could be in ten years. Thank you!

timmyab -- Well, it's Bach. My teacher from ten years ago would have considered that the end of the discussion. There was no damper pedal in Bach's time, so we don't use it when we play his music now. That said, I think a lot of Bach's music could do with some well-considered pedal use, and you make a great case for that here (although, I also quite like your playing of it without pedal!).

I had to triage due to limited time, so these are roughly in order of how well I've gotten to know people through AOTW and/or prior recitals.

10. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Sneakin' Round

Wow! Big smile on my face as I'm listening to this from you... So much to love here (except the length -- more please!)

I just love the different voices, pearly at the top, rumbling bass, honky-tonk'ish in the middle. Lots of toe-tapping going on here. The last couple notes cap it perfectly.

Most of all, played with total ease and command, it sounds completely natural with no hesitations and great joy. So much fun! I listened to it three four times in a row, and then watched the YouTube video for good measure.

Great job Cheryl!

38. FarmGirl - Brahms 118 #2

I thought you played this with a lot of spirit. It was warm, smooth, mellow, with a subtle hint of peat. The middle section had a pleasant bouquet without being fruity, flowery, or smoky. You've really raised the bar with this performance. It's proof of how hard you've been working.

OK, OK... honestly, this is quite a bit better than I would have surmised based on your descriptions in the Mr. S-H Speedo thread... Oh wait, that was the "Call for Submissions" thread, I keep forgetting. Anyway... I just looked it up and you said: "it sounds horrible".

Ummmm... No. It does not sound horrible at all. Sure, I detected a couple slips and hiccups here and there, but I really liked the interpretation and the overall flow of the dynamics seemed to fit perfectly -- i.e. not trying too hard, letting Brahms do the talking.

But, if you don't like it, then I am dying to hear what it would sound like if you performed it to your level of expectations!

I love the mini-piano under the Baldwin. Is it functional?

26. Sand Tiger - Shadow

Ah... now I can hear (what I told you previously that I couldn't hear) what we've been missing. You're really use those extra keys to maximal advantage! Congrats on the new setup.

This sounds like another interesting exploration.

I'm looking forward to hearing your future submissions, particularly as your skills develop and you explore the possibilities of what you can do.

44. Sam S - Arabeske Op. 18

That is indeed quite a bit of contrast as you pointed out. Thanks for sharing the personal context in Schumann's life at that time.

It is funny to think of classical music being composed with a particular target market in mind. When this is done with pop music we think of it as base & crass commercialism. Artists have written plenty of angry diatribes against their record labels over this -- and sometimes these songs have been quite ironically successful -- Hall & Oates' "No Can Do" or Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" come to mind. But, all of these guys were doing it from back to whenever, just to put food on the table.

Oh, it's done now... I can stop typing

Where do I pick up my gold star?

Very nice performance... I love the tone of your piano.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936

Nice! Just looking at you play, it definitely looks like it could fall solidly into the "deceptively difficult" category. The fact that you were able to play something this intricate coming from where you were a few months ago is really impressive. I'm glad you are feeling and doing better!

11. Andy Platt - Invention No 4 in D Minor

I'm no expert, but I have ears and opinions (ask anyone who knows me re: the latter), and I would say that your teacher is nuts. There are so many rushed performances out there (see #54 in this recital, for example) where I just want to beg the person to sloooow dooowwwn... what is the big rush? I did not feel like that even a little bit while listening to your submission!

I've not had to deal with trills yet at all, let alone those in the left hand, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be a big struggle. The heavy hammers and heavy strings down there can't make it easy to have a delicate sounding trill.

41. Saranoya - Menuett in F

A fine entry into the pantheon of "very nice performances under conditions that are very far from optimal".

I'm looking forward to hearing Moonlight on the Boston in May!

30. Peterws - Regrets. I have a Few . .

Very nicely done. It gave me chills at the beginning, made me think. It would be good to hear that full version. Maybe you could post to the piano bar.

Was this multi-tracked, and did the sax (sounded like Kenny G!) come from the DGX-620 as well? It sounded much better than I would have imagined could come from a keyboard, certainly better than the DGX-500 that I use.

31. MaryBee - Waltz in C# minor, Op.64 No.2

I love the background that you give us on selections and what they mean to you. The image of you and your son pretending to play this is very cute.

It sounded very good to me. It must be deeply satisfying to be in this spot that you never even dreamed was possibly so long ago!

17. Monica K. - Just Because I Love You

This is beautiful, very thoughtfully rendered. I like pieces like this that are "easy" because they give a chance to really focus on the "basics" that are so difficult to really do well. Very well done.

And thank you for all your work on making this happen for all of us. You make it look easy (with the help of that phone booth), but I'm sure there is quite a bit of prep work that goes into making the gap between 9pm and "woohoo, here it is!" be so amazingly short!

32. BenPiano - All of These Things For You

This is one of my favorites so far. I love love love the bridge. And the final verse, uh yeah -- that's my life too, especially the "children that always fight" part... I swear, if I said to them, "listen, you have a choice to go out for ice cream, or go to a movie, or go swimming, or fight", they'd pick the fight every time. Or so it seems.

Back to the song... The arc of the song from the fantasy at the beginning, to the bridge that is actually taking us somewhere (unlike so many songs where the bridge is there because a song is supposed to have a bridge, so they stick something in there and call it a bridge even though it isn't actually serving the purpose of a bridge at all -- i.e. taking us from one place to another where we couldn't go otherwise).

So your bridge takes us to reality, and when we get there I'm chuckling. But then, we get to the end, you jump up an octave and we're into this sweet, music box like quality. To me, it says "this reality, unromantic as it might be on the face of it, is real and..." the part after that I can't even really put into words. It's a feeling that the reality is ultimately so much more satisfying and rich than the plastic fantasy at the beginning.

You have something here... a real talent (I'm saying this also based on hearing "The Secretary" a couple times today, and finding it to be quite moving given its context) that involves creating something that goes way beyond assembling chords and a melody. It's fun and yet profound at the same time. That's impressive.

24. MrPozor - Un poco adagio

A nice followup to Doll's Funeral last time. Very delicately interpreted and with a lilting rise and fall to the tempo and dynamics that suits this so well.

I'm going through Piano Handbook as well (very slowly). This will be a piece that I look forward to now.

46. Kenjazz - My Romance

I always love your recordings. They just sound so warm and intimate. The band-in-a-box works nicely.

For this particular song...

Slower? Check. Love it.

Less is more? Check. Love it.

I'll to get to others on another day... It's pretty late here (nearly 2am), but well worth spending the last couple hours listening, watching, and thinking.

_________________________
"...when you do practice properly, it seems to take no time at all. Just do it right five times or so, and then stop." -- JimF

01. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New Beginning Beautiful composition and performance! What a great way to start this recital. This does have a stary feeling, sort of gentle and floating. It is a wonderful and touching tribute.

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie What a beautiful melody. You give it a haunting, searching feeling. Very nicely played.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 Boy, this is not the Czerny that I had been introduced to. This is a beautiful, rich Romance. Your playing gives it the full, rich sound that it calls for. The ornaments are crisp and clear. Very nicely played!

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 I really like how you handled the dynamics, giving the piece drama and brooding. The steady rhythm of the subdued left hand staged the right hand melody well. Nicely played.

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1 That Piu Mosso section looks very challenging! You handled it very well. I think you have a pretty good mastery of this, if you did this in your first take. You gave it a wonderful interpretation. Nice job!

06. CarlosCC - Julia I can understand what you wife is saying of this reminding her of home. It has a warm, cozy feeling. What a wonderful tribute to dedicate this to her! You may have been away from the piano for a while, but it does not show. You play this like you were made to play it. Very beautiful!

08. wouter79 - Allegro non troppo in c minor, op.38 no.2 Very nicely played, especially considering it is without pedal. The right hand sings and the left hand paces the piece. It does have a nervous quality to it, with the syncopated left hand. Perhaps that is what the composer intended. Maybe a more subdued left hand and a slower pace would reduce the tension. Still, nice job!

10. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Sneakin' Round Great job! This sounds like a lot of fun. You handled those cascades very well!

First few. Listening to so much new music is too taxing to do while working, so I'll save the rest for the weekend.

01. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New BeginningBeautiful. I like listening to this kind of music. Did you improvise while playing or do you sit down and plan ahead? How do you remember all the music you've thought up without writing it down? I never knew Apple either, but hearing this music she appears to be a wonderful person who was always around.

02. Inlanding - Glen - ElegieNice and slow. I didn't spot any glaring mistakes in your youtube video. Sound like a pretty good take to me!

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1Chopin Nocturnes are so beautiful. You bring it out very well.

06. CarlosCC - JuliaAhhh, Einaudi. Looking forward to his concert next month. You play it very well.

34. beechcraft409 - OmbreMore Einaudi, wonderful. This piece feels different from Julia, which is a good thing. I must confess I'm only familiar with two of Einaudi's albums and that does not include either of these two songs. There seem to be a bunch of hesitations in the accompaniment a few minutes into the song, but despite that it sounds pretty good. It's surely going to be a great piece when you play it a bit more than just a month.

42. windywindy - Waltz in A Minor KK IVb/11My teacher suggested I learn to play this piece. Nice to hear you play it! The left hand sounds simple indeed; right hand not so. The run with the triplet and 5-let (how do you call that?) seems particularly tough.

55. Aimee O - Sonatina in GNice that you could get in just before the deadline! The recording is rather loud for my poor earphones.

Oh Lordy Lord. I listened to the few people who have also begun about one year ago, and I want to die right now! They can play complicated, lovely pieces with expression and keep them up for 3 minutes or more! I was blown away by Jake S (please tell me it's not you playing!! After 1 year!), MrPozor, Pavel.K, Allard, and aTallGuyNH.

Before listening I was almost happy about my progress so far. I know I'm an impatient, rushed person and I have a hard time polishing things, still I thought what I was doing was sufficient. Not anymore. Will have to practice until my fingertips are worn out this year. Sigh

_________________________
Diana & Wally - Yamaha W110BWMartha Argerich... is an incarnation of the artistic metaphor of the "eternal feminine" that draws us upward. (Sergio Sablich)http://soundcloud.com/sinophilia

Oh Lordy Lord. I listened to the few people who have also begun about one year ago, and I want to die right now! They can play complicated, lovely pieces with expression and keep them up for 3 minutes or more! I was blown away by Jake S (please tell me it's not you playing!! After 1 year!), MrPozor, Pavel.K, Allard, and aTallGuyNH.

Before listening I was almost happy about my progress so far. I know I'm an impatient, rushed person and I have a hard time polishing things, still I thought what I was doing was sufficient. Not anymore. Will have to practice until my fingertips are worn out this year. Sigh

Please don't feel that way on my account. I've been playing for about one year and that's all I can play... one song. Not even counting the time to arrange it, I've probably put in 100+ hours on the bench for this one song. Over the past 6 months what I've accomplished is to get diverted trying to do pieces that are way over my head, forgetting "Just The Way You Are" entirely in the process, which I then had to re-learn.

So, 6 months and nothing new to show for it. Some random skills have been developed, to a degree, but nothing coherent in terms of a method. Not good!

Originally Posted By: Allard

sinophilia, I can't speak for the others you mentioned, but the piece I played is one I love to bits and practised for a ridiculous amount of time. I'd say it's still beyond my level.

Thanks, though

+1 to Allard's sentiments. (I actually started typing this above before he posted)

Like Allard, I would say that my song is definitely substantially above my level. I won't be doing anything else that difficult for quite some time.

You are way ahead of where you think you are! You are focusing on the right things and building a solid foundation.

_________________________
"...when you do practice properly, it seems to take no time at all. Just do it right five times or so, and then stop." -- JimF

Before listening I was almost happy about my progress so far. I know I'm an impatient, rushed person and I have a hard time polishing things, still I thought what I was doing was sufficient. Not anymore. Will have to practice until my fingertips are worn out this year. Sigh

Hi sinophilia,

I'm sure you are doing fine! Impatience is certainly the worst idea to improve any skill. Everyone progresses differently but for my particular piece I can tell you that I must have tried at least 30 times to record it without errors. So it was a big challenge for me. I had to give it up completely for some time because even the correct notes started to sound wrong in my head.

The best motivation for me is when I actually like a piece. Luckily my teacher is very flexible and I can choose my pieces freely.

Do not hang up, sinophilia I see you are at Alfred's Adult All-In-One Course book 3 already + playing some studies. I would say You will be far ahead soon with all those foundations. I have stopped in the middle of AIO1 which I am regretting now. I feel I am missing a lot.Also I am unemployed second month now so I had a lot of time to practice :-)Yeah, and it tooks me at least 40 takes for last week to make this loosey recording. I am becoming paralyzed in last fourth of the piece during recording :-)I am looking forward your participation in the next recital.

11. Andy Platt - Invention No 4 in D Minor Nice job! I think your interpretation was great. This is such a difficult song to practice because it is so discordant. I think your speed worked very well, and brought out the right amount of tension.

12. Amaruk - The Christmas song from 'An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf' I really like your arrangement! It sounds like it was a fun project. I like the sensitive touch that you give it. Very nice.

13. Peyton - After All This is absolutely marvelous – a beautiful, original composition, beautifully played. Those are some amazing runs up the keyboard. The piece is very searching, very fitting to the poem you wrote for it. I loved it.

14. joangolfing - Grieg Waltz Op.12 What a playful piece. I like the lilting feel that you gave it. Well played.

15. Greener / Jeff Green - Moments Musicaux - A flat major; Opus 94 No. 6 This piece sounds like it takes some thought to develop an interpretation. Its character has a constancy coupled with varying emotions. I like how you brought that out. Very nicely played.

16. Riddler (Ed) - Reflections in D I like the mood that you gave it. Beautiful arrangement! It reminds me of a quiet evening with a nice glass of wine.

17. Monica K. - Just Because I Love You I really like your interpretation of this. The dynamics are really quite nice. Very well played. The delicate playing of the ending is especially nice. I love that rich Mason Hamlin sound as well!

18. ladypayne - Improv in G minor Very beautiful! It sounds like it is going somewhere. It made me think of cantering my horse across a meadow in the spring – with a few jigs and bucks thrown it. I really enjoyed this composition.

19. Jake S - Fur Elise Very sensitively played. This piece never gets old. This is amazing for only one year of experience!

20. Serge88 - Fly Me To The Moon Nicely played. You gave it a nice relaxed feeling, perfect for quiet evening of reflection.

What an impressive line up ... I got as far as #20 last evening before my backup laptop crashed and told me time for bed.

Every time I'm blown away with the performances coming out of "Adult Beginners Forum". Really, Adult Beginners? The quality here is beyond what I expect and usually get with most local live performances. Yes, the so called pros.

I am most impressed with the starters here, with just up to 3-5 years on the bench and producing amazing results. Sinophilia, you are doing great and nothing to feel bad about. A common reaction I think and one we all have from time to time. Don't worry it...it will swing. It is coming and it will swing ... The important thing is you are working on the right stuff and getting great results. Keep at it, you're doing fabulous.

I did have a peek at a few select others (Richard and the new Kawai - sounds fabulous, Richard. Congrats.) I will get through listening to all today, but not likely commenting until next week as off to the Nations Capital this weekend for some ice skating ...

Meanwhile, I look forward to listening to more and congratulations to everyone on really fine performances.

ATallGuyNH - thank you for your kind comments. Once I polish it I will upload it to my YouTube channel and our Pianobar. I am intending to perform it on Sat in my party so I'm not changing it much except for the dynamics at the beginning to P instead of MF. There were some other issues in the middle section that requires metronome work which I don't even try before the party. The little piano is for one of my dogs - Emma showed strong interest in playing (banging) the piano when she was a puppy. But the problem was she also liked digging and her paws were often muddy. Our dogs has a doggie door to get in and out of the house to their fenced in poop-land. As soon as I played the pieces she liked, I heard the sound of doggie door flaps, she'd rush in and stay right behind me. She'd start breathing audibly in an excited manners until I reached to the climax of the piece. She'd then jump up and bang her paws on the keyboard. Anyway, that's why I bought this used toy piano for her. The funny thing is she does not like the sound of it. She looked at me dispicably. So she is using it mainly for "calling parents attention" devise now.

Well, I have spent a very pleasant time listening to a number of performances. Actually, for the most part WATCHING the performances.

We have wi-fi on the tv, so I was doing a combo of listening and watching, using both the youtube versions and the streaming- when I realized that the streaming was cutting off before the end of pieces. So I stopped with the streaming and just went ahead with those which have videos.

As always, I'm so very very impressed with what the ABFers are able to do - such s great variety of music, such enthusisatic participation and dedication to presenting the best we have to offer at this point in our piano journeys. It is as exciting to listen to the new folks as it is inspiring to hear those who have been around longer.

Thanks to everyone who makes this recital possible - in particular to Monica who gets it rolling and set up each and every time!

Here is my first batch of comments... 1. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New Beginning What a splendid start to our recital Mr. Super-Hunky. I thoroughly enjoyed your music (as did Mr. Casinitaly who tuned in with me for a while). You create some simply marvelous sounds that carry us on waves…or to the stars rather! I’m sure that Apple is listening every time her song is played. A beautiful, eloquent, touching tribute, and a joy to hear.

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie Glen, most enjoyable. We watched the video and Mr. C particularly liked the left-hand cross over at the end We both liked the delicate, somber but not sad, quality of your performance - and the way you make your piano sing, bringing out such nuances in its voice... you're positively inspirational.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 Mel, this is a delicious delightful performance, it sparkles like prosecco in places. I have only known Czerny through some first year exercises, and I am so pleased to hear more of his work, especially when it is presented so well!

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 One of my favourite preludes. We were driving in the car earlier today and had a Chopin CD playing and this came on. I said to Mr. Casinitaly “I bet that will be in the recital today” I’m so glad I was right! Chopin – in my mind – is never easy. If it sounds easy, you can bet there are layers and layers to discover as a player –if it looks easy then there are layers you have to bring out in nuances. You’ve done a great job here and it was a treat to listen to how well your efforts have paid off

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1 what a rich performance. It was interesting to watch your hands – lovely delicacy and lightness of touch. I love the mysterious sound of this piece- I find there is just hint of an Eastern sound to it in spots. What a great idea to open up the piano – I thought you did very well with the drama and intensity at the middle portion. Gorgeous sound on the left hand solo, - and all without the sheet music. Bravo, Bravo indeed!

06. CarlosCC - Julia So glad you made it to the recital Carlos! I know it wasn’t easy this time. I enjoyed this Einaudi – In my mind it had a “western” (as in American Pioneer) sound to it. You’ve really mastered the style and it is clear that you put a lot of love, attention and time into bring your skills up to the current level. Complimenti. Most enjoyable.

07. Diana (sinophilia) - Frankie & Johnnie + Space Shuttle Blues Diana, you are off to a great start. It is just as hard, if not harder to play in front of the dreaded red dot as it is to play in front of a live audience. You’re Frankie and Johnny was good fun – you really have got that left hand swing down pat – I was toe-tapping while listening along. Your Space Shuttle Blues were sweet – great control over the rhythm --- I can’t wait to see what you present next time! Great work!

08. wouter79 - Allegro non troppo in c minor, op.38 no.2 Thanks for the history behind your piece – it was interesting to read. I like being educated on the music I am about to listen to. I’m not sure if it is important to memorize music or not. I think that sometimes the memorization happens naturally, sometimes we have to work at it. I don’t feel I know enough to make suggestion on how you can improve, but I certainly did enjoy your performance and I greatly admire the ability you’ve developed over the past three years. I am really blown away every time I listen to your performances. I know you aren’t completely satisfied with the piece, but I think you have played it very well indeed.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936 Simply delightful! I watched the video and really enjoyed watching the fluidity of your performance. You’ve really made a stunning recovering, and I’m so very very happy for you. I am working on a Handel piece right now, and I look forward to the time when I feel up to taking on a piece such as your “little” prelude and I hope to do as well as you have done! Bravissima! Complimenti

12. Amaruk - The Christmas song from 'An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf' I can see why it was love at first “listening” – and I’m so impressed you could figure it all out without the sheet music. Your video was really sweet - I loved the floating Christmas decorations. Very enjoyable – thank you!

13. Peyton - After All Piano and poetry – magical combinations. This piece has some dreamy sections and then more “wide awake” jazzy parts Great fun.….were you inspired by the work you did on the Satie piece? Your music is very “involving” I felt drawn in and I was waiting with bated breath to see what was going to come after the pause at mid point! I very much enjoyed this piece. Thank you!

17. Monica K. - Just Because I Love You I can see why you like this piece – It seems to capture the imagination and take you away – sailing through clouds, over valleys, rivers, hills, lakes – it is extremely peaceful and I imagine it feels very calming to play. It is indeed charming to listen to the last part become softer and softer – what great delicacy you have in your fingertips to achieve it!

22. (Was)TrueBeginner - Us This is a beautiful piece of music. As it is called “Us” I think perhaps it is a romantic tribute to a special relationship – it certainly sounds romantic. I picture walks hand-in-hand on a path beside a lake, swans swimming by, birds and butterflies- all things tender and delicate. Charming, just charming!

_________________________ ABF Recitals 18-44Another thing you learn along the way is that the music will still be there when you are ready for it. There's no reason to rush. JimF

Such kind words, as always! I'm sorry I won't be able to listen to the entire recital until Monday, but from the first bite I took it's clear that everybody did an amazing work. I'll have to take the next recital more seriously and start preparing something for it... now!

_________________________
Diana & Wally - Yamaha W110BWMartha Argerich... is an incarnation of the artistic metaphor of the "eternal feminine" that draws us upward. (Sergio Sablich)http://soundcloud.com/sinophilia

Here is another batch of reviews. The rest tomorrow. I am blown away by the talent on this forum!

21. Teodor - Donnie Darko - The Artifact and the Living You do a good job of giving this a dark, brooding feeling. Nicely played!

22. (Was)TrueBeginner - Us It sounds like a love story, like a special memory. Very beautiful! I really admire your gift for composition.

23. MusicaMusique - Keresem Az Utam This is a very nice arrangement especially played by ear. Great job.

24. MrPozor - Un poco adagio Great progress in 9 months! This was very sensitively played. You have great sense of dynamics and rhythm.

25. Jazztpt (Russ) - Another Song + Maya I like the relaxed, Jazz style that you present. It is very nice to listen to. I especially liked Maya. It was very fitting for a new grandchild!

26. Sand Tiger - Shadow This piece sounds very playful, but full of determination. It is a really nice composition. You have come along way in 11 months!

27. PhilzPiano - Prelude no. 1 in C major This is such a beautiful piece. You certainly do it justice. The blend from left hand to right is seamless. Nicely played!

28. Daren - Quanta Qualia You played this beautifully, with a very sensitive interpretation. Very well done.

29. timmyab - Allemande from French Suite no 4 The slower pedaled version is more dreamy. The faster, no pedal version is more “Bach”. It has more of a baroque feel. (In my humble opinion!) Both are beautiful. This sounds very intricate. Very nice job!

30. Peterws - Regrets. I have a Few . . This is a very nice composition. I like the lead with the wind instrument. It is a very contemplative piece. I enjoyed it very much.

51. Pavel.K - Nocturne 21 in C minor posth. This is great. Well played. I haven't heard this one of Chopin before, so your rendition is the only one I've heard so far. I really enjoyed it, and appreciate the playing since I'm also at the same period of experience and wish I could play like that!

Here comes my second and final batch. It was a great listen, guys! Thank you all.

peterws -- This is certainly ... different. Have you ever tried your hand at composing film music? Because I think you'd be good at it. I'm trying to picture you as I listen to this, and I find myself wondering whether you are one of those centipedes capable of playing three or four keyboards all at once (or rather, timing your recordings and loops to make them play themselves in the right sequence), or whether you mix it all in post-production. Either way, I'm impressed!

MaryBee -- It's amazing what a lifelong dream to play a particular piece can do to one's zeal while practicing, isn't it? I am genuinely happy for you that you've finally achieved your dream.

BenPiano -- Hi, Ben! Do you know that I actually discovered PianoWorld through you? I was watching one of your YouTube videos, in search of new music to tackle, and it said in the description that you had recorded it for an ABF recital at PianoWorld. Which brought me here. So thanks! Also, I'm in awe of your YouTube piano diary. The number and level of pieces you have on there would in itself be impressive, given that you haven't even been playing four years, but on top of that, all of your performances are polished to a very high degree. This will be another fine addition to the list. And if *I* was getting goosebumps listening to this, your wife must have been positively floored!

Ganddalf -- Thanks for the lovely introduction to Haydn sonatas! Now watch me go and buy a compilation of them on iTunes! ... No, not really. I just bought the complete set of Beethoven sonatas. I'll be busy with those for a while yet. But Haydn is looking interesting too. If I ever play a Haydn sonata, it will be thanks to you!

beechcraft409 -- Who cares how good you *should* be, three years in? I'm sure you are way better now than you were when you started, and in the end, that's all that counts. Besides, to my ears, this here sounds pretty decent. I'm sure your mother doesn't just like it because she's your mother.

Richard -- You're a smart man, not revealing exactly how many years you've been playing for. Because if it's anything less than ... oh, twenty years of consistent daily practice ... then man, why the heck are the rest of us mere mortals even trying? You could sell this as a professional recording, and I'd buy it in a heartbeat. And listen to it over and over in the dark. It's that good.

Mike White -- I don't particularly care for this specific piece of music, so I won't comment on your performance as such. I don't know that I wouldn't think you were God's gift to piano music if you'd played anything other than this. But if you got that by ear off a YouTube video, then wow. I'm impressed.

Ken. -- I think I like this Monk fellow! I was missing some of the 'effortless flow' feeling that I usually associate with this kind of jazz, but that just made it clear to me that playing this music is anything but 'effortless'. Good on you for tackling it!

FarmGirl -- Well, I have no idea what you sound like when you're breathing right and sober, but absent evidence of the opposite, I'd say you're making a great case here for recording while slightly out of one's mind. Maybe I should try that some time. Nice performance!

Mar_red -- Well, what do you know. This is the kind of 'effortless flow' jazz I was talking about earlier. When executed well (and this was, very much so), I could listen to it for hours on end. And, like Monica and Mr. SH and a few others here, you get my admiration by default, because you're self-taught and still this good!

Jazzwee -- ... And another contender in the same category. Everything I wrote above applies to you, too. Except you get a couple extra points, because this sounds like a live recording and if it is, that's impressive. With a live audience in the room, you only get one take, and this one sounds darn near flawless. My hat goes off to you, sir!

windywindy -- Oh wow. You so opened the floodgates of nostalgia for me! My mother is a classical ballet teacher. When I was little, I used to spend hours and hours sitting in a corner of the room, behind the mirrors, watching her as she taught. It was cozy and safe there. This particular Chopin Waltz came back often during the slow 'plié' and 'ronde jambe' exercises. You brought a lump to my throat that I'd forgotten was ever even there. Wonderful sensitive performance. Thank you!

lyricmudra -- Unfortunately, this recording is really much too quiet for me to pass proper judgement on it. But based on the few strains of it I could hear, I'm sure it's lovely. And even if I'm wrong, well ... it motivated you to get back to playing, which makes everything else about it pale in comparison .

Sam S -- Recently, I read a comment somewhere on these boards, where someone said of you: I aspire to be as awful as you are, one day. Let me now slightly amend that statement: I aspire to one day be exactly as prone to mistakes in long pieces as you are. And I will consider that a major accomplishment, if it ever happens. It is great that you are a perfectionist. That will only help you on your piano journey. But once in a while, you have to sit back, relax, and pat yourself on the shoulder for a job well done. Now seems like an especially good time for that. Well played, Sam!

Copper -- You managed nicely to capture the nostalgic quality that has made this song into such a timeless classic. Thanks for sharing.

Kenjazz -- Less is more, indeed. I think your greatest strength here lies in the fact that you know your own weaknesses, and work nicely around them to create something quite beautiful. I wish I could be a little bit more like that!

PianoStudent88 -- Ah, another piano for the 'could do with a tuning' bin! But that aside, thank you for the introduction to Khachaturian! It was lovely, and a little off the beaten path, which I always appreciate. This music sounds interesting. Worth exploring further!

carlos88 -- Pity that your lessons were discouraging and just ended for that reason. But it sounds to me like you already have a very solid foundation upon which to build further on your own, should you not wish to find another teacher right now. Definitely keep at it. You have what it takes.

GrouchoMarx -- Ah, another incorrigible perfectionist, I see. You do realize what it means when you submit a piece like this, up to that standard, after three years of playing, and then add that you don't particularly like your interpretation of it, right? It means the rest of us are chumps for even trying. But I realize you probably don't see your own talent, and you likely never will. So: congratulations, Groucho. You are really something!

BillM -- And here comes the effortless jazz again. That's a win by default, for me. But as an added bonus, you have a lovely, charming singing voice as well. Thanks. That was fun!

Pavel. K -- Really? 13 months on the bench, and you're playing this? That's it. Now I'm definitely doing one, too. Look for me to submit Nocturne number 1 in the August recital . Oh, by the way, Pavel: while you're right that it can still use some spit and polish here and there, it's really quite enjoyable to listen to already. Good job!

Allard -- Hartstikke goed, man! (For those uninitiated: that was me, a Dutch-speaking girl from Belgium, doing a rather cliched impression of what I imagine someone from the Netherlands might sound like when telling someone else from the Netherlands that he did a great job.) Which you did, Allard. A great job, I mean. I'm even more impressed than I otherwise might be, given your relative lack of experience. You have great dynamic range here. I loved it!

MileHi Steve -- I apologize for this, but I really can't stand that Stage Rhodes sample (I suppose that's what it was?). Didn't listen to the end. But that's no reflection on your abilities. Just ... wrong sound for me. Ack! Keep on keepin' on, I'm sure others will love it!

aTallGuyNH -- I really wanted to give you an epically awesome review, in exchange for your kind words about my meager entry, but alas. I can't hear you. Will try again Sunday, with better headphones. Sorry!

AimeeO -- I didn't think 'Beethoven' and 'cute' were words I'd ever use together in the same sentence. You proved me wrong. Thank you! I enjoyed listening to that.

Answer to floydthebarber71:Thanks a lot for your kind comment. I am glad you enjoyed my recording. I think you will like this piece a lot because my version is the worst I have heard :-DThis piece was played for example by pianists:Idil BiretClaudio ArrauDaniel BarenboimVladimir Ashkenazy

Answer to Saranoya:Thanks for your comment too and I wish you good luck with Nocturne No.1. :-D But instead I would choose No.2. it looks more approachable. I know it is overplayed but in Wiener-Urtext edition (red covers - That one Valentina Lisitsa is using now :-)) there are a lot of variations you can spice it up.Btw. I skipped listening and jump to your recording. I like it a lot, it sounds as it should sound. (which is my problem with my pieces they never sound as I would like to sound :-))

What can I say? You`ve all been playing for a shorter time than me probably; The character shines through it all, I loved listening. I`ve written down comments, but it`s gettin on now in Dear Ole Blighty. I`m a bit naughty tonight; I made a list of those using DPs against APs. Here we go!

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie Nicely performed glen. This sounded like it had some tricky holds/ghost notes that you handled well.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 (Yes I did like it Mel. Your playing was both delightful and exquisite with those high trills. Very nice ending too.

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 This is a dramatic and challenging piece in which timing is crucial in certain spots. I thought you did a great job with it. I especially liked the deep brooding ending.

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1 Wow, very impressive, especially for the first take. Very nicely and expressively performed.

06. CarlosCC - Julia This is a very beautiful piece Carlos and I seemed to enjoy it even more knowing that you occasionally play it for your wife just to make her feel good. The pwer of music is amazing isn't it?

07. Diana (sinophilia) - Frankie & Johnnie + Space Shuttle Blues Your off to an absolutely fantastic start for just under a year.. Great timing and rhythm. Keep up the good work.

08. wouter79 - Allegro non troppo in c minor, op.38 no.2 Nicely done Wouter. Don't be so hard on yourself because you are playing at quite an advanced level, especially given your experience. I hear some of the things you have mentioned so I can't suggest much other than to try another piece with a melody and rhythm that appeals to you more.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936 Wow SwissMS, what a story. Playing piano IS a magnificent physical therapy aid as I can personally attest to myself. Your playing sounded absolutely wonderful to my ears without so much as a hiccup. Well done and I'm proud of your amazing quick recovery.

10. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Sneakin' Round Oh I loved that last 'flarp' note to end this fun piece. How fun. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun playing this slinky -sneaky piece Cheryl. You always seem to pick the fun stuff which is always refreshing to listen to.